Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Louisiana Impressions

You are invited to see a collection of my small artist's books, called "Louisiana Impressions," at the Watson Branch of the Livingston Parish Public Library from August 1-September 30th. These are small, simple, fun books which I hope will inspire others to try their hand with the book arts. Each book explores an aspect of the environment in Louisiana that caught my eye when I moved back last year. Since flowers, trees, wildlife and climate are my major interests, the books focus on these themes.

The books were made with acrylic inks and paints, watercolor, colored pencils, and artist's papers. They are primarily simple folded books, in keeping with the natural themes.

I have been making small books since I was a little girl, when I would fold pieces of green lined computer paper my dad brought home for me to draw on. It is so exciting to me to be able to continue this as an art form, and encourage others to explore it.


Nature Journals

Almost anything is fodder for the nature journal! This morning, I happened to look out of my window and see a huge orb weaver cut a leaf out of its web. I was close enough to see how unusual it looked, but too far away to see real detail. That is okay. My purpose in keeping a nature journal is not necessarily to create a work of art, but to record observations. I was thrilled to see that my field guide mentioned the behavior that I observed.





This orb weaver's abdomen looked just like a beetle's from above. I wonder why? And this is another important function of a nature journal-- to generate questions. Formulating questions is the basis of science. Sometimes, an answer can be found, but at other times, it will suggest a topic for research. My science background makes its way into my journals all the time!

Even in the dog days of summer, there is always something to observe!



Monday, July 15, 2013

Another wildflower book






This is an unfinished accordion-style book I have been working on. The wildflowers were drawn with a Parallel Pen. As the background was sponged on, and watercolors were added to the flowers, the water-soluble ink I had inside the pen blurred a little. It was an interesting effect, but I think I will try to use a waterproof ink next time.

The parallel pen is a favorite tool of mine. It is easy to bring along when I travel, and I like the way the ink flows evenly from between the blades. I am still pushing its limits, and trying to see just what I can do with it!



A Heart Book

The wildflower books were put on the back burner for a while. I was working on this book.

The form of this book is known by a few different names. I have seen it called flower fold, lotus fold, and origami fold by different artists. I love this book form and use it often, because it is so sculptural. It can be adapted in so many different ways, from architectural-looking books, to flowers, and it just seems to invite creativity. The pages are formed by origami folds, cut into shapes, and glued together. I cut the pages into hearts, and included hearts and forget-me-nots inside, drawn with colored pencil. The outer cover is made from painted rice paper over museum board, and the inner pages are Arches text paper.






It is in memory of a baby boy who came into my life, captured my heart, and was gone, all too soon.